Method and system for monitoring breathing activity of an infant

ABSTRACT

A method and system for monitoring breathing movement of an infant is disclosed. A method and system for detecting and predictably estimating regular cycles of breathing movements is disclosed. Another disclosed aspect of the invention is directed to detect and report irregularity of breathing activity of an infant, such as cessation and non-periodicity, which suggests a likelihood of SIDS.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/234,658 filed Sep. 3, 2002 and U.S. application Ser. No. 09/893,122 filed Jun. 26, 2001, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Application Ser. No. 09/893,122 claims priority to U.S. application Ser. Nos. 09/178,383 filed Oct. 23, 1998, 09/178,385 filed Oct. 23, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,579, issued on Aug. 28, 2001, Ser. No. 09/712,724 filed Nov. 14, 2000, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/178,384 filed Oct. 23, 1998, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

[0002] The present invention relates to medical methods and systems. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and system for monitoring breathing activity of an infant.

[0003] A serious concern for parents of a newborn is the possibility of death by Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is commonly known as the sudden death of an infant under one year of age which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including performance of a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of the clinical history. A SIDS death occurs quickly and is often associated with sleep, with no signs of suffering,

[0004] Although exact causes of SIDS are still unknown, mounting evidence suggests that some SIDS babies are born with brain abnormalities that make them vulnerable to sudden death during infancy. Studies of SIDS victims reveal that some SIDS infants have abnormalities in the “arcuate nucleus,” a portion of the brain that is likely to be involved in controlling breathing during sleep. However, scientists believe that the abnormalities that are present at birth may not be sufficient to cause death. Other factors, such as lack of oxygen and excessive carbon dioxide intake, may also contribute to the occurrence of SIDS. During sleep, a baby can experience a lack of oxygen and excessive carbon dioxide levels when they re-inhale the exhaled air. Normally, an infant can sense such inadequate air intake, and his breathing movement can change accordingly to compensate for the insufficient oxygen and excess carbon dioxide. As such, certain types of irregularity in an infant's breathing activity can be an indicator of SIDS or the likelihood of SIDS.

[0005] Therefore, monitoring of an infant's breathing activity for breathing irregularities could help prevent or detect the possibility of SIDS. One approach to monitor the breathing activity is to attach to the body of the infant a battery-powered electronic device that can mechanically detect the breathing movement. Although such device can monitor the infant's breathing directly, the battery can render the device large and heavy, which encumbers the tiny infant. Additionally, difficulty of attachment can be expected under this approach.

[0006] Another approach to monitor an infant's breathing activity is to install a pressure sensitive pad underneath the mattress where the infant is sleeping. The pad monitors the baby's breathing activity by measuring body movement. However, because the pad is unable to directly monitor the breathing movement, accuracy of the generated breathing data can be affected.

[0007] In contrast to the above approaches, the present invention provides an improved system and method that can monitor an infant's breathing activity without creating encumbrance to the infant. By continuously monitoring an infant's breathing movement during sleep and reporting detected irregularity, the present system and method can reduce the occurrence of SIDS.

[0008] In an embodiment, an optical-based system, comprising at least one camera, a marker, a computing device to compute the position of the marker, and a reporting device to transmit an alert signal, is employed to measure and record an infant's breathing movement and report detected irregularity. The system can produce breathing pattern by tracking the movement of the marker, which is placed in a particular location such that motion of the marker relates to the breathing movement of the infant.

[0009] According to an embodiment, a method for identifying breathing pattern of an infant comprises the steps of first co-locating the marker with the infant, viewing the marker with at least one camera, producing image coordinates for the identified marker viewed by the camera, comparing the image coordinates with reference coordinates for the marker, and thereafter determining breathing motion of the infant. The computing device can analyze the breathing pattern and actuate the reporting device if irregularity is detected. Irregularity includes, but not limited to, lack of periodicity in the breathing pattern and cease of the breathing motion.

[0010] These and other aspects, objects, and advantages of the invention are described below in the detailed description, drawings, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and, together with the Detailed Description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0012]FIG. 1 depicts the components of a system for monitoring an infant's breathing activity according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0013]FIG. 2 depicts an example of a respiratory motion signal chart.

[0014]FIG. 3a shows a flowchart of a process for detecting periodicity or lack of periodicity according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0015]FIG. 3b illustrates sample trains according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0016]FIG. 3c is an example chart of showing phase and amplitude for a periodic signal.

[0017]FIG. 3d shows an example of a periodic signal amplitude-phase histogram chart.

[0018]FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing process actions performed in an embodiment of the invention.

[0019]FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing process actions for detecting deviation(s) from regular breathing movement.

[0020]FIG. 6a depicts a side view an embodiment of a camera and illuminator that can be utilized in the invention.

[0021]FIG. 6b depicts a front view of the camera of FIG. 6a.

[0022]FIG. 7a depicts a retro-reflective marker according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0023]FIG. 7b depicts a cross-sectional view of the retro-reflective marker of FIG. 7a.

[0024]FIGS. 8a, 8 b, and 8 c depict embodiments of a marker block.

[0025]FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of a process for monitoring an infant according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0026]FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of a hemispherical marker block.

[0027]FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment of a cylindrical marker block.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] An aspect of an embodiment of the present invention comprises a method for detecting periodicity and irregularity in the respiration activity of an infant. Also disclosed are embodiments of systems and devices for detecting and reporting irregularity in the respiration activity of an infant.

[0029] System for Infant Breathing Monitoring

[0030]FIG. 1 depicts the components of an embodiment of a system 100 for monitoring an infant's breathing movement, in which data representative of the breathing movement is collected with an optical imaging apparatus. An optical or video image apparatus, such as camera 108, is aimed such that at least part of an infant 106 is within the camera's field of view. Camera 108 monitors infant 106 for motion relating to the breathing activity. For instance, camera 108 can be configured to monitor the motion of the infant's chest. According to an embodiment, camera 108 is placed on the ceiling, wall, or other support structure with its axis tilted down between 20 and 70 degrees relative to the horizontal longitudinal axis of the infant 106. Additionally, the video image field of view is set to view an approximately 30 cm by 30 cm area of the infant's chest. For purposes of illustration only, a single camera 108 is shown in FIG. 1. However, the number of cameras 108 employed in the present invention can exceed that number.

[0031] In an embodiment, one illumination source per camera (which is an infrared source in the preferred embodiment) projects light at the infant 106 on bed 104. The generated light is reflected from one or more landmarks on the infant's body. The camera 108, which is directed at infant 106, captures and detects the reflected light from the one or more landmarks, which are preferably located on one or more locations on the infant's chest and can be viewed by camera 108.

[0032] The output signals of camera 108 are sent to a computer 110 or other type of processing unit having the capability to receive video images. According to a particular embodiment, computer 110 includes a video frame grabber card having a separate channel for each video source utilized in the system. The images recorded by camera 108 are sent to computer 110 for processing. If camera 108 produces an analog output, the frame grabber converts the camera signals to a digital signal prior to processing by computer 110. Based upon the video signals received and analyzed by computer 110, computer 110 can send control signals to operate an alarm device 116.

[0033] Alarm device 116 can be built into or separated from computer 110. In one embodiment, upon receiving a control signal from computer 110, alarm device 116 can transmit an alarm signal, either audible, visible or both, to warn the infant's caregiver or parents of a likelihood of SIDS. Note that an alarm signal can also be transmitted to awaken infant 106 to further reduce the occurrence of SIDS. For the purpose of illustration only, FIG. 1 depicts one alarm device 116 that is connected to computer 110 through wired connection. However, a wireless connection can be used in place of or in conjunction with the wired connection. Additionally, the number of alarm devices 116 used in the present invention can vary. As an example, alarm device 116 can be installed in a plurality of locations to maximize the chance that the infant's caregiver or parents are alerted when an alarm signal is transmitted.

[0034] According to one embodiment, one or more passive markers 114 are located on the infant in the area to be detected for breathing movement. Each marker 114 preferably comprises a reflective or retro-reflective material that can reflect light, whether in the visible or invisible wavelengths. If the illumination source is co-located with camera 108, then marker 114 preferably comprises a retro-reflective material that reflects light mostly in the direction of the illumination source. Alternatively, each marker 114 comprises its own light source. The marker 114 is used in place of or in conjunction with physical landmarks on the infant's body that is imaged by the camera 108 to detect breathing movement of the infant. Markers 114 are preferably used instead of body landmarks because such markers 114 can be detected and tracked more accurately via the video image generated by camera 108. Because of the reflective or retro-reflective qualities of the preferred markers 114, the markers 114 inherently provide greater contrast in a video image to a light detecting apparatus such as camera 108, particularly when the camera 108 and illumination source are co-located. Markers 114 can be placed on clothing, outer coverings or blankets, or directly upon the infant 106.

[0035] Utilizing a video or optical based system to track the breathing movement provides several advantages. For example, a video or optical based system provides a reliable mechanism for repeating measurement results between uses on a given infant. In addition, the method of the invention is noninvasive, and even if markers are used, no cables or connections must be made to the infant. Moreover, if the use of markers is impractical, the system can still be utilized without markers by performing measurements of respiration activity keyed to selected body landmarks. The method of the invention is also more accurate because it is based upon direct and absolute measurement of external anatomical physical movement. Therefore, the present optical-based system is particularly suitable for monitoring the breathing movement and position of infants, for which intrusive/cumbersome equipment should not be used.

[0036] A possible inefficiency in tracking the markers 114 is that the marker may appear anywhere on the video frame, and all of the image elements of the video frame may have to be examined to determine the location of the marker 114. Thus, in an embodiment, the initial determination of locations for the marker 114 involves an examination of all of the image elements in the video frame. If the video frame comprises 640 by 480 image elements, then all 307200 (640*480) image elements are initially examined to find the location of the markers 114.

[0037] For real-time tracking of the marker 114, examining every image element for every video frame to determine the location of the marker 114 in real-time could consume a significant amount of system resources. Thus, in an embodiment, the real-time tracking of marker 114 can be facilitated by processing a small region of the video frame, referred to herein as a “tracking gate,” that is placed based on estimation of the location of the already-identified marker 114 in a previous video frame. The previously determined location of a marker 114 defined in the previous video frame is used to define an initial search range (i.e., the tracking gate) for that same marker in real-time. The tracking gate is a relatively small portion of the video frame that, in one embodiment, is centered at the previous location of the marker 114. The tracking gate is expanded only if the tracking algorithm can not locate the marker 114 within the gate. As an example, consider the situation when the previously determined location of the center or a portion of a particular marker is image element (50,50) in a video frame. If the tracking gate is limited to a 50 by 50 area of the video frame, then the tracking gate for this example would comprise the image elements bound within the area defined by the coordinates (25,25), (25,75), (75,25), and (75,75). The other portions of the video frame are searched only if the marker 114 is not found within this tracking gate.

[0038] The video image signals sent from camera 108 to computer 110 are used to generate and track motion signals representative of the movement of marker 114 and/or landmark structures on the infant's body. FIG. 2 depicts an example of a motion signal chart 200 for respiratory movement that contains information regarding the movement of marker 114 during a given measurement period. The horizontal axis represents points in time and the vertical axis represents the relative location or movement of the marker 114. According to an embodiment, the illustrated signal in FIG. 2 comprises a plurality of discrete data points plotted along the motion signal chart 200.

[0039]FIGS. 6a and 6 b depict an embodiment of a camera 108 that can be used in the present invention to optically or visually collect data representative of breathing movement. Camera 108 is a charge-coupled device (“CCD”) camera having one or more photoelectric cathodes and one or more CCD devices. A CCD device is a semiconductor device that can store charge in local areas, and upon appropriate control signals, transfers that charge to a readout point. When light photons from the scene to be imaged are focused on the photoelectric cathodes, electrons are liberated in proportion to light intensity received at the camera. The electrons are captured in charge buckets located within the CCD device. The distribution of captured electrons in the charge buckets represents the image received at the camera. The CCD transfers these electrons to an analog-to-digital converter. The output of the analog-to-digital converter is sent to computer 110 to process the video image and to calculate the positions of the retro-reflective markers 114. According to an embodiment of the invention, camera 108 is a monochrome CCD camera having RS-170 output and 640×480 pixel resolution. In an alternate embodiment, camera 108 comprises a CCD camera having CCIR output and 756×567 pixel resolution.

[0040] In a particular embodiment of the invention, an infra-red illuminator 602 (“IR illuminator”) is co-located with camera 108. If the IR illuminator 602 is located physically close to the camera 108, then camera 108 is positioned to capture strong reflections of IR reflected from retroreflective markers on the infant. IR illuminator 602 comprises a surface that is ringed around the lens 606 of camera body 608. The surface of IR illuminator 602 contains a plurality of individual infrared LED elements 604 for producing infrared light. The LED elements 604 are organized as one or more circular or spiral patterns on the IR illuminator 602 surrounding the camera lens 606. Infrared filters that may be part of the camera 108 are removed or disabled to increase the camera's sensitivity to infrared light.

[0041] According to an embodiment, digital video recordings of the infant can be recorded via camera 108. The same camera 108 used for tracking the infant's breathing movement can be used to record video images of the infant for future reference. A normal ambient light image sequence of the infant can be obtained in synchronization with the measured movement signals of markers 114.

[0042]FIGS. 7a and 7 b depict an embodiment of a retro-reflective marker 700 that can be employed within the present invention. Retro-reflective marker 700 comprises a raised reflective surface 702 for reflecting light. Raised reflective surface 702 comprises a semi-spherical shape such that light can be reflected regardless of the input angle of the light source. A flat surface 704 surrounds the raised reflective surface 702. The underside of flat surface 704 provides a mounting area to attach retro-reflective marker 700 to particular locations on an infant's body. According to an embodiment, retro-reflective marker 700 is comprised of a retro-reflective material 3M™ High-Gain Sheeting 7610WS available from 3M Corporation. In an embodiment, marker 700 has a diameter of approximately 0.5 cm and a height of the highest point of raised reflective surface 702 of approximately 0.1 cm. Alternatively, a marker can comprise a circular, spherical, or cylindrical shape.

[0043] In an alternate embodiment, marker 114 comprises a rigid marker block having one or more reference locations on its surface. The marker block is used in place of, or in addition to, the individual retro-reflective markers 114 to detect particular locations on an infant's body with an optical imaging apparatus. Each reference location on the marker block preferably comprises a retro-reflective or reflective material that is detectable by an optical imaging apparatus, such as camera 108. The retro-reflective elements can be formed from the same material used to construct retro-reflective markers 114 of FIGS. 7a and 7 b. The marker block is preferably formed from a material that is light-weight enough not to interfere with normal breathing by an infant.

[0044] A marker block can be formed into any shape or size, as long as the size, spacing, and positioning of the reference locations are configured such that a camera or other optical imaging apparatus can view and generate an image that accurately shows the positioning of the marker block. The marker block can be formed with shapes to fit particular body parts. For example, molds or casts that match to specific locations on the body can be employed as marker blocks. Marker blocks shaped to fit certain areas of the body facilitate the repeatable placement of the marker blocks at particular locations on the infant. Alternatively, the marker blocks can be formed to fit certain fixtures that are attached to an infant's body. In yet another embodiment, the fixtures are formed with integral marker block(s) having reflective or retro-reflective markers on them. An alternate embodiment of the marker block comprises only a single reference location/reflective element on its surface.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, an infant's breathing movement can be detected by tracking retro-reflective markers attached to the marker block. As shown in FIG. 8c, one embodiment of the marker block 871 utilizes two markers 873 and 875 on a rigid hollow and light plastic block 877 measuring about 6 Cm×4 Cm×4 Cm. The two markers 873 and 875 are preferably placed at a fixed distance of three centimeter on the side of the block that will face the tracking camera. The fixed distance between the two markers 873 and 875 is known and is used to calibrate the motion of the block in the direction of the line connecting the two markers.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the pixel coordinates of each marker in the video frame are tracked. The distance in the pixel domain between the two markers for each video frame is thereafter measured. The known physical distance of the two markers is divided by the measured distance to provide the scale factor for transforming the incremental motion of the block in the direction of the line connecting the two markers. This scale factor is updated for each new video frame and transforms the incremental motion of each marker from pixel domain to the physical domain. The transformation accounts for changes in the camera viewing angle, marker block orientation, and its distance to the camera during motion tracking.

[0047]FIG. 10 depicts an marker block 1000 having a hemispherical shape comprised of a plurality of retro-reflective elements 1002 attached to its surface. FIG. 11 depicts alternate embodiment of a marker block 1100 having a cylindrical shape with multiple reference locations comprised of retro-reflective elements 1102 located on its surface.

[0048]FIGS. 8a and 8 b depict other embodiments of marker blocks 802 and 806 usable in the invention. Marker block 802 includes a rectangular shape having multiple reflective or retro-reflective marker elements 804 located on it. Marker block 802 supports a rigidly mounted set of markers 804 spread over an approximate volume of 1.5″×3″×4″. The markers should appear as high contrast features in a real-time imaging device such as a video camera whose images are digitized and processed by a computer system. This realization of the marker block employs retro-reflective material covering a set of 0.25-inch diameter spheres glued or otherwise attached to a rigid plastic box or platform. Marker block 806 includes a non-rectangular structure having multiple reflective or retro-reflective marker elements 808 located on it. In an embodiment, the marker block is attached to an infant using adhesive tape.

[0049] An infant's respiration motion can be monitored by optical tracking of a marker block, such as a marker block 802 or 806, attached to an infant's chest, clothes, blanket, or other suitable locations that can reflect the infant's breathing motion. In operation, a camera or video view of the marker block produces a set of image coordinates for the marker elements on the marker block. The position and distance of any marker element located on the marker block is known relative to other marker elements on the same marker block. By comparing the position and distance between the marker elements on a recorded image frame with the reference position and image stored for the monitoring system, the absolute position and orientation of the marker block can be estimated with a high degree of accuracy. This, in turn, provides an accurate position and orientation estimation for the infant or infant body position upon which the marker block is attached. Note that estimation of infant position and orientation can be performed in the invention using only a single marker block, rather requiring the placement of multiple markers on different locations. Moreover, a single camera can be used to track the position of the marker block, rather than requiring triangulation using multiple cameras from different positions. A single-camera process for determining the precise position and orientation of the marker block with six degrees of freedom (6 DOF), i.e., x-coordinate, y-coordinate, z-coordinate, pitch, yaw, and roll is disclosed in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/234,658, filed Sep. 3, 2002, entitled “Single-Camera Tracking of an Object”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0050] A sleeping infant can move or roll into another position such that one or more markers attached to the infant (or attached to a marker block) fall outside the field of view of camera 108. Consequently, the infant's breathing movement may no longer be detected, and reporting irregularity in breathing activity that occurs thereafter becomes impossible. Thus, in an embodiment, failing to locate one or more markers in the image frame, system 100 will transmit an alarm signal to indicate a need to reposition the infant. This alarm signal is preferably distinguishable from an alarm that indicates a detected irregularity in the breathing activity. In an alternative embodiment, system 100 will transmit an alarm signal after being unable to locate one or more markers in two or more consecutive image frames. This can reduce the number of false alarms due to the sudden movement or coughing of the infant, who nonetheless returns back to a normal position thereafter.

[0051]FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of a process for monitoring a patient by tracking a marker block according to an embodiment of the invention in which only a single camera is used to track the position and orientation of the marker block. In this approach, a subset of three or more markers on a marker block should be visible in an image frame to allow proper identification and calculation of the position and orientation for the marker block. This subset in the invention can vary from frame to frame in the input video stream. If a subset of three or more markers is not identified in a number of consecutive image frames, then an assumption is made that the infant has rolled or shifted into another position, and an alarm signal is transmitted.

[0052] At step 902, a FAILURE value, which counts the number of consecutive failures to appropriately locate the markers in image frames, is set to zero. As previously stated, in one embodiment, this failure is identified by not being able to acquire three or more markers in an image frame. At step 904, an image frame is digitized from the camera video stream.

[0053] At step 906, the digitized image frame from step 904 is analyzed to detect and locate the markers in pixel coordinates. If the previous tracking was successful, use the projected centers to limit the search area for each marker to increase the computational efficiency. If processing the first image frame, recovering from lost track, or failing to locate marker(s) in the limited search area, then the whole frame is analyzed to find and locate markers.

[0054] At step 908, a determination is made whether sufficient markers were detected at step 906. If the marker block is found by the image analysis process at Step 906, the process next returns to step 902, where the FAILURE value is reset to zero, and then to step 904 is performed to the next image frame in the video stream.

[0055] If sufficient markers are not located by the image analysis process at 906, it will be assumed that the infant has moved or rolled to another position, and accordingly, the FAILURE value is incremented (910). In a preferable embodiment, if the FAILURE value has reached or exceeded a threshold value (e.g., a value of two, which indicates that the marker block cannot be located in two consecutive image frames in the video stream), an alarm signal is transmitted (914). The number of consecutive failures in locating the marker block that triggers an alarm signal can vary.

[0056] The process of FIG. 9 can also be employed with individual markers rather than markers on a marker block. Alternatively, the process can be employed to track markers on multiple marker blocks.

[0057] In one embodiment, a determination of the position and orientation data for the marker block can be correlated to determine the position and orientation of the infant to which it is attached. The measured movement of the marker block can be used as an indicator of the infant's respiration activity. Thus, quantifiable values such as amplitude and/or phase of the marker block movement can be generated to monitor the infant's breathing movement. These values can be displayed and analyzed for breathing patterns using any conventional algorithms. As described in more detail below, the amplitude and/or phase of the marker block and the detection of deviations from periodic breathing movement can be used to trigger an alarm signal.

[0058] Detection of Irregularity in Breathing Pattern

[0059] To monitor an infant's breathing activity, one or more sets of data representative of the breathing activity of interest are collected for the infant in an embodiment of the invention. An optical-based system, such as system 100 of FIG. 1 using marker(s) or a marker block, may be employed to generate data for breathing activity usable in the invention.

[0060] One aspect of the present invention provides a method to detect and report cessation of a breathing movement, indicating a likelihood of SIDS. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the process actions in an embodiment of the invention to detect cessation of the breathing movement. The first process action is to define a threshold and to set variable WEAK that records the number of consecutive weak breathing signals (i.e. amplitude is below the defined threshold) to zero (402). An optical or video imaging system, such as a video camera, is used to measure the breathing motion of the infant (404). At step 406, an output signal of the optical or video imaging system is processed to compare the amplitude of the measured motion signal with the threshold defined in step 402.

[0061] If the amplitude of the motion signal is below the threshold, the breathing activity will be determined weak, and accordingly, variable WEAK will be increased by one. In a preferable embodiment, if two consecutive weak signals have been measured (i.e., WEAK=2), then the breathing activity is assumed to have ceased, and an alarm signal is thereby transmitted (412). However, the number of consecutive weak signals that triggers an alarm signal can be altered. A higher number renders the assumption of a ceased breath more accurate, but can potentially delay an alarm signal. In contrast, using a lower number tends to be more precautionary, but can be associated with an increased frequency of false alarm, often arising from weak signal that is merely momentary.

[0062] An amplitude of the motion signal exceeding the threshold is indicative of a strong breathing activity. As such, the process returns back to step 404 to measure new breathing motion signal, after resetting variable WEAK to zero at step 414.

[0063] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for detecting a period of the respiration activity and deviation(s) from the periodicity. For example, sudden movement or coughing by an infant can result in deviation from the detected period of the respiration cycle. According to an embodiment, the present invention can “phase lock” to the respiration movement of the infant. Since the monitoring system phase locks to the breathing movement period, deviations from that periodic signal can be identified and appropriately addressed.

[0064]FIG. 5 is a process flowchart of an embodiment of the invention to perform predictive estimation and detection of regular respiration movement cycles and to identify deviation(s) from regular respiration movement. At the initial process action 501, variable DEVIATION that tracks the number of consecutive deviations (e.g., non-periodicity of the breathing activity) in an infant's breathing activity is set to zero. At process action 502, an instrument or system (such as system 100 from FIG. 1) is employed to generate data signals representative of the breathing activity of interest. In an embodiment, the data signals comprises a stream of digital data samples that collectively form a signal wave pattern representative of the breathing movement under examination. A number of discrete measurement samples are taken during a given time period. For example, in an embodiment of the invention, approximately 200-210 data samples are measured for each approximately 7 second time interval.

[0065] At process action 504, pattern matching analysis is performed against the measured data samples. In an embodiment, the most recent set of data samples for the breathing signal is correlated against an immediately preceding set of data samples to determine the period and repetitiveness of the signal. An autocorrelation function can be employed to perform this pattern matching. For each new sample point of the breathing motion, the process computes the autocorrelation function of the last n samples of the signal, where n corresponds to approximately 1.5 to 2 signal breathing periods. The secondary peak of the autocorrelation function is then identified to determine the period and repetitiveness of the signal.

[0066] In an alternate embodiment, an absolute difference function is used instead of an autocorrelation function. Instead of secondary peak, a secondary minimum in the absolute difference is searched for. For each new sample point of the breathing motion, the process computes the minimum absolute difference between the two sets of data over a range of overlapping data samples. The secondary minimum corresponds to the data position that best matches the recent set of data samples with the preceding set of data samples.

[0067] Yet another alternate embodiment performs a pattern matching based upon a model of the breathing activity being measured. The model is a dynamic representation of the breathing motion. The latest set of data samples is matched against the model to estimate parameters of the repetitive process. According to an embodiment, the model can be periodically updated to reflect changes in infant position and orientation as well as other changes that can result in alternation in the infant's breathing pattern. For example, temperature in the infant's bedroom may have impact on the period of the breathing movement.

[0068] Pattern matching using the measured breathing signal (504) provides information regarding the degree of match, as well as a location of best match for the repetitive process. If an autocorrelation function is employed in process action 504, then the relative strength of secondary peak provides a measure of how repetitive the signal is. A threshold range value is defined to provide indication of the degree of match between the two sets of data samples. If the strength of the secondary peak is within the defined threshold range (process action 508), then the degree of match indicates that the signal is repetitive, and the secondary peak location provides an estimate of the signal period. If an absolute difference function is used in process action 504, then the relative value of the secondary minimum provides a measure of how repetitive the signal is. If the value of the secondary minimum meets a defined threshold range (508), then the degree of match indicates that the signal is repetitive, and the secondary minimum location provides an estimate of the signal period.

[0069] If the correlation value of the secondary peak or secondary minimum does not meet the defined threshold range, then a deviation from the regular breathing activity is detected, thereby indicating possible irregularity in the breathing activity of the infant. This irregularity could result, for example, re-inhaling of the exhaled carbon dioxide. In an embodiment, an alarm signal is transmitted once a deviation is detected. In a preferable embodiment as shown in FIG. 5, variable DEVIATION is increased by one if a deviation is detected (510). After deviations are detected in two consecutively measured data samples (518), a presence of irregularity in the breathing activity is assumed and an alarm signal is therefore transmitted (520). Depending on preferences and particular requirements, however, the number of consecutive deviations that trigger an alarm can vary. For example, a higher number, at the expense of delaying an alarm, can render the assumption of irregularity more accurate.

[0070] If the degree of match indicates repetitiveness, the point of best match is tested to determine if the period is within a reasonable range. The location of the secondary peak or secondary minimum provides an estimate of the period of the breathing activity. In an embodiment, the point of best match is compared to a threshold range (509). If the point of best match does not fall within the threshold range, then a deviation from regular breathing activity is detected and the process proceeds to process action 510. If the point of best match falls within the threshold range, then the signal is accepted as being repetitive (512).

[0071] The estimate of the period based on the point of best match can be used to predict the period and waveform parameters of the next set of data samples for the signal (514). Note that process actions 504, 508, and 509 test for repetitiveness based upon a plurality of data samples over a range of such samples. However, in some circumstances, a significant deviation from normal breathing movement may actually occur within the new or most recent data sample(s) being analyzed, but because the overall set of data samples indicates repetitiveness (e.g., because of averaging of absolute differences over the range of data samples being compared), process actions 504, 508, and 509 may not detect the deviation. To perform a test for rapid deviation, the predicted value from process action 514 is compared with the next corresponding data sample (515). If the predicted value does not match the actual data sample value within a defined threshold range, then a deviation is detected and the process proceeds to process action 510. If a comparison of the predicted and actual data sample values fall within the defined threshold range, then repetitiveness is confirmed, and deviation is not detected for that data sample range (516). Accordingly, variable DEVIATION will be set to zero, and the process returns to process action 502 to measure new data signal.

[0072] In an embodiment, the first time the process of FIG. 5 is performed, the pattern matching process action (504) is performed over the entire range of data samples. Thereafter, the pattern matching process action can be performed over a limited search interval, which is defined by the results of the prior immediate execution of the process. For example, the predicted value from process action 514 can be used to define the location of the search interval for the next set of data samples. However, if process action 508, 509, and 514 detect deviation based upon analysis of the initial search interval, then the search interval can be expanded to ensure that a deviation has actually occurred. The process of FIG. 5 can be repeated with the increased search interval to attempt to find a point of best match outside of the initial search interval. In an embodiment, this increased search interval comprises the entire range of data samples. Alternatively, the increased search interval comprises only an expanded portion of the entire range of data samples.

[0073]FIG. 3a shows a flowchart of an alternative approach for detecting deviation from periodicity of a respiration activity. This process tracks the phase of a periodic signal, and for each breathing signal sample, this approach provides an estimate of phase value indicating the breathing cycle phase for an infant. In the embodiment described here, the phase angles ranges from 0 to 2π (0 to 360 degrees) with 0 and 2π corresponding to the vicinity of inhale extreme of the respiration signal. FIG. 3c shows an example phase value chart 350 for breathing signal samples superimposed on an example respiration amplitude signal 352.

[0074] The initial step 301 of FIG. 3a sets variable DEVIATION to zero that reflects the number of consecutive deviations in the infant's breathing movement. The process receives a respiration data sample at step 302. For each new sample of the respiration signal, the process obtains and updates estimates of the latest inhale and latest exhale extreme values and corresponding time points of the respiration signal. These values are used to establish the latest estimates of exhale period, inhale period, and therefore T, the overall period of breathing (304).

[0075] At step 306, the process estimates the phase value of the newly acquired respiration signal sample. In an embodiment, this is performed by computing the inner product of a Cosine waveform with period T (estimated at step 304) and the most recent T-seconds-long segment of the signal. This is repeated by computing the inner product with a Sine waveform of period T. These two inner products are called, respectively, the in-phase and quadrature components of the signal. The inverse Tangent of the result of dividing the quadrature value by the in-phase value provides the estimated phase for the current respiration signal sample.

[0076] At step 308, the process compares the vector, e.g., (amplitude, phase), of the current respiration sample with previous data sample values to determine periodicity of the signal. One approach to performing this comparison step is to use a two-dimensional histogram array of signal vs. phase value that is accumulated during prior recordings of the respiration signal. FIG. 3d shows an embodiment of a 2-dimensional histogram array 360 of amplitude-phase values. Histogram array 360 is a 64×64 array of bins covering the 0 to 2π phase in the horizontal dimension and the range of respiration signal amplitude in the vertical dimension. The amplitude and estimated phase of each new sample are used to increment the corresponding bin in histogram array 360.

[0077] In an embodiment, a clustering factor determines how close the current respiration data sample vector is to the cluster of values observed so far. By comparing the amplitude-phase vector of each signal sample with the cluster of prior values in its neighborhood at step 310, the process provides a measure of periodicity for the signal. The signal is considered non-periodic for the current sample time when the clustering factor is below a defined threshold or tolerance level (312). Otherwise the signal is declared periodic (314). One approach is to calculate the sum of the bin populations for the 8-amplitude×5-phase surrounding bins for the current data sample. This population, as a percentage of the total population of all histogram bins accumulated so far, determines the degree to which the new sample belongs to a periodic signal. By applying a threshold to this percentage value, the signal sample is declared as periodic or non-periodic. This threshold value can be set by the user as the sensitivity of the algorithm for detecting deviations from periodicity. In the example of FIG. 3d, data sample set 362 would presumably be declared as non-periodic since it substantially departs from the general body of data sample values 364, assuming that the values in data sample set 362 cause the determined percentage value to exceed a defined threshold.

[0078] According to one embodiment, once the signal is determined as being non-periodic (i.e. deviation from periodicity), irregularity in the breathing pattern is detected and an alarm signal is transmitted. To improve the reliability of the results, in a preferable embodiment as shown in FIG. 3a, variable DEVIATION is incremented by one if a deviation from periodicity is detected. After deviations from periodicity are identified in two consecutive data samples (316), a presence of irregularity in the breathing activity is assumed and an alarm signal is thereby transmitted (318). Depending on preferences and particular requirements, however, the number of consecutive deviations that triggers an alarm can be altered.

[0079] If the signal is considered periodic for the current sample time, the process will return to the step 302 to receive new data sample, after resetting variable DEVIATION to zero.

[0080] According to an embodiment, estimation of the inhale and exhale periods pursuant to step 304 of FIG. 3a begins by identifying a starting assumption of these periods. If the process is at its very beginning, or is recovering from a loss of periodicity, then nominal or default values (such as inhale period=1.6 Sec and exhale period=3.4 Sec) are used. The sum of these values is the current estimate of the breathing movement period. The approach of the present embodiment uses the most recent n samples of the signal to estimate the location and value of the minimum and maximum values, e.g., caused by breathing motion. One embodiment selects seven samples by sub-sampling the signal at intervals of {fraction (1/20)}^(th) of the period. The choice of seven samples makes the computational load of the interpolation process manageable, while sub-sampling allows coverage of a larger portion of the signal thus avoiding false detection of local minima and maxima due to noise. For every new sensed signal sample (not sub-sampled) the n samples selected as described above are first validated to make sure their corresponding interval includes a minimum or a maximum. This is performed by comparing the absolute difference of the two end samples of the sample train with the average of the difference of the center sample and the two end samples. One embodiment uses the test:

Abs(Y(0)−Y(6))<0.2*Abs(Y(0)+Y(6)−2*Y(3))

[0081] to determine whether the sample train includes a minimum or a maximum. In this example the train of seven samples, Y(0), Y(1), Y(2), Y(3), Y(4), Y(5), Y(6), are sub-sampled at {fraction (1/20)}^(th) of the of the number of samples constituting the current estimate of one period. If the result of this test is positive, curve fitting to the samples is performed. One embodiment fits a quadratic curve to the middle five points of the seven-point sample train. The location and value of the minimum or maximum value of this curve is computed using interpolation. Also at this point, it is determined whether the estimated point is a minimum or a maximum by comparing the end samples of the train with the middle sample. The estimated location of the minimum or maximum points are added to their respective accumulator variables for later averaging.

[0082] The above process is repeated with the next sensed signal sample until the procedure encounters the first sample for which the above test result is negative. This is an indication that the run of points for which a minimum or maximum can be estimated has ended. At this point the accumulator variables are divided by the number of points in the run to obtain the average location and value from the run.

[0083] The process continues by repeating the above test on the sample-train preceding every new sensed signal sample. Once the test result is positive the averaging process described above will start again. FIG. 3b shows three examples of sample trains; sample train 360 includes a local maximum; sample train 362 includes a local minimum; and, sample train 364 includes neither a maximum nor a minimum.

[0084] This method estimates the local minimum or maximum location at a point in time that is later than the actual position of the extremum by the length of the sample train. The current estimate of the inhale or exhale period is updated at this point in time. For inhale period, for example, this is performed by subtracting the latest maximum position from the latest minimum position in time. These estimates are used to update the current value of the total period.

[0085] The embodiments described herein provides a tool for measuring the periodicity of the respiration signal, thus allowing detection of deviation from normal breathing. This can be used to trigger the alarm during monitoring of breathing movement of an infant.

[0086] It is noted that while the embodiment described herein only addresses monitoring of infants, the disclosed invention is applicable to monitor a broad range of possible subjects. For example, the inventive concepts can be applied to monitor other patients, including adult patients. Moreover, the invention could also be applied to monitor non-human subjects, such as animals or non-living subjects such as machinery.

[0087] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the operations performed by computer 110 can be performed by any combination of hardware and software within the scope of the invention, and should not be limited to particular embodiments comprising a particular definition of “computer”. Similarly, the operations performed by alarm device 116 can be performed by any combination of hardware and software within the scope of the invention, and should not be limited to particular embodiments comprising a particular definition of “alarm device”. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. 

1. A method of monitoring breathing activity, comprising: measuring a first set of signal data representative of a breathing movement of an infant during a first time period; pattern matching the first set of signal data with a second set of signal data related to measured breathing movement of the infant during a second time period to identify degree of deviation from periodicity of the breathing movement; and reporting irregularity based upon results of the pattern matching.
 2. The method of claim 1 in which the first set of signal data and the second set of signal data are pattern matched using an autocorrelation function.
 3. The method of claim 1 in which the first set of signal data and the second set of signal data are pattern matched using an absolute difference function.
 4. The method of claim 1 further comprising: determining a degree of match between the first set of signal data and the second set of signal data.
 5. The method of claim 4 in which the degree of match is determined by a secondary peak value of an autocorrelation function.
 6. The method of claim 4 in which the degree of match is determined by a secondary minimum value of an absolute difference function.
 7. The method of claim 4 further comprising: comparing the degree of match to a threshold range.
 8. The method of claim 7 in which the degree of match outside the threshold range indicates deviation from a normal breathing movement.
 9. The method of claim 7 in which the degree of match within the threshold range indicates a repetitive breathing movement.
 10. The method of claim 9 in which a point of best match indicates a period of the breathing movement.
 11. The method of claim 1 in which reporting irregularity comprises transmitting an alarm signal.
 12. The method of claim 11 in which the alarm signal comprises an audible signal.
 13. The method of claim 11 in which the alarm signal comprises a visible signal.
 14. The method of claim 1 in which irregularity comprises deviation from periodicity of the breathing movement, the degree of the deviation exceeding a threshold.
 15. The method of claim 1 in which irregularity comprises deviations from periodicity of the breathing movement identified in a plurality of consecutive sets of signal data, the degrees of the deviations exceeding a threshold.
 16. The method of claim 1 in which the second set of signal data is a data model of the breathing movement.
 17. The method of claim 16 in which the data model of the breathing movement can be updated.
 18. A method of monitoring breathing activity, comprising: measuring a set of signal data representative of a breathing movement during a time period; comparing amplitude of the set of signal data with a threshold; and reporting irregularity based upon results of the comparison.
 19. The method of claim 18 in which reporting irregularity comprises transmitting an alarm signal.
 20. The method of claim 19 in which the alarm signal comprises an audible signal.
 21. The method of claim 19 in which the alarm signal comprises a visible signal.
 22. The method of claim 18 in which irregularity comprises measurement of a set of signal data, the amplitude of the set of signal data below the threshold.
 23. The method of claim 18 in which irregularity comprises measurement of two or more consecutive sets of signal data, the amplitudes of the two or more sets of signal data below the threshold.
 24. A method of monitoring breathing activity, comprising: acquiring image data; determining a number of markers visible in the image data; determination if the number of markers meets a threshold value; and reporting irregularity if the number of markers does not meet the threshold value.
 25. The method of claim 24 in which reporting irregularity comprises transmitting an alarm signal.
 26. The method of claim 25 in which the alarm signal comprises an audible signal.
 27. The method of claim 25 in which the alarm signal comprises a visible signal.
 28. The method of claim 24 in which the number of markers comprises three markers.
 29. The method of claim 24 in which the patient comprises an infant.
 30. The method of claim 24 in which the markers are attached to a marker block.
 31. The method of claim 30 in which the act of acquiring the image data occurs during a process for determining the location of the marker block.
 32. A method of monitoring breathing activity, comprising: receiving a set of signal data representative of a breathing movement of an infant; estimating phase of the set of signal data; comparing a vector of the set of signal data with one or more prior sets of signal data to identify deviation from periodicity of the breathing movement, the vector of the set of signal data based upon the phase, the one or more prior sets relating to measured breathing movement of the infant during one or more prior time periods; and reporting irregularity based upon results of the comparison.
 33. The method of claim 32 in which reporting irregularity comprises transmitting an alarm signal.
 34. The method of claim 33 in which the alarm signal comprises an audible signal.
 35. The method of claim 33 in which the alarm signal comprises a visible signal.
 36. The method of claim 32 in which irregularity comprises identified deviation from periodicity.
 37. The method of claim 32 in which irregularity comprises deviations from periodicity identified in a plurality of consecutive sets of signal data.
 38. The method of claim 32 in which the phase is estimated by calculating period of the set of signal data.
 39. The method of claim 38 further comprising computing an inner product of a Cosine waveform with the period T and most recent T-seconds-long segment of the signal data to form an in-phase component; computing the inner product with a Sine waveform of the period T to form a quadrature component; and computing the inverse Tangent of result of dividing the quadrature component by the in-phase component to estimate the phase.
 40. The method of claim 38 further comprising: identifying an assumption for the period; estimate location values for maximum and minimum values; and based upon one or more sample sets, estimating the period.
 41. The method of claim 32 in which the vector comprises amplitude and phase components.
 42. The method of claim 32 in which the act of comparing the vector of the set of signal data with the one or more prior sets of signal data to identify deviation from periodicity of the breathing movement comprises: using a 2-dimensional histogram array of signal versus phase values.
 43. The method of claim 42 in which the 2-dimensional histogram array is accumulated during prior recordings of the breathing movement.
 44. The method of claim 42 further comprising: comparing the vector with other values in the 2-dimensional histogram array; forming a clustering factor; and identifying deviation from periodicity if clustering factor exceeds a threshold.
 45. The method of claim 32 further comprising: estimating latest inhale values, latest exhale extreme values, and corresponding time points.
 46. A method for monitoring regular activity, comprising: co-locating a marker block with an object such that movement of the marker block relates to movement of the object, the marker block comprising one or more markers; viewing the marker block with a camera; generating image data representative of the marker block; and reporting irregularity based upon insufficient periodicity for detected movement.
 47. The method of claim 46 in which the object comprises a non-living object.
 48. The method of claim 47 in which the non-living object comprises a mechanical object.
 49. The method of claim 46 in which reporting irregularity comprises transmitting an alarm signal.
 50. The method of claim 46 in which positions of the one or more markers are tracked using the image data.
 51. The method of claim 50 in which the act of tracking the one or more markers comprises: defining one or more search ranges based upon estimated positions of the one or more markers; and searching the one or more markers within the one or more search ranges.
 52. The method of claim 46 in which irregularity comprises failure to locate the one or more markers within the one or more expanded search ranges.
 53. The method of claim 46 further comprising: quantifying movement for the marker block.
 54. The method of claim 53 in which irregularity is determined based upon amplitude of the movement data.
 55. The method of claim 46 in which the object comprises a patient.
 56. The method of claim 55 in which the patient comprises an infant. 